Rep. Denson Addresses Cuts to Public Library Fund in Proposed House Operating Budget

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) today expressed deep concern regarding the proposed cuts to the Public Library Fund (PLF) in House Bill (HB) 96, the biennial operating budget bill. The proposed budget plans to defund Ohio’s public libraries by over $100M and will have a devastating effect on the vital role that public libraries play in our communities, particularly the Cincinnati Public Library, which stands to face the most significant funding reduction in the state.

“The PLF cuts in the proposed budget aren't only a threat to libraries, they are a threat to our community as a whole. Our libraries act as more than a community resource. They are an entire support system for those looking to learn, to connect, and to grow. Over the past few days my office has received hundreds of calls and emails from constituents sharing their personal stories detailing how the Cincinnati Public Library has positively impacted their lives,” said Rep. Denson. 

Under the current proposed budget, 39 counties are set to lose funding with Hamilton County taking the biggest hit. Specifically, the Cincinnati Public Library is projected to see a staggering reduction of $14.5M in Fiscal Year 26, making it the largest reduction in funds of all libraries across Ohio. This cut comes at a time when our libraries are already facing increased costs and rising demand for vital services. 

“Libraries are essential resources for those seeking employment, education, and community engagement,” Rep. Denson continued. “They are one of the last social safety nets we have left and to impose such drastic cuts, especially when libraries have been funded at the same level for the last 25 years, is unthinkable. Cincinnatians deserve better and Ohioans deserve better.”

According to the Ohio Library Council:

• Ohio's public libraries are extremely popular, with over 7.4 million cardholders and one of the highest library usage rates in the nation. 
• Public libraries deliver a significant return on investment, generating $5 in economic value to Ohioans for every $1 spent. 
• Ohioans visited their local libraries more than 44.6 million times in 2023. That is the equivalent of 434 sold-out Buckeye football games at Ohio Stadium. 

To help protect Ohio’s cherished public library systems contact the offices of Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and House Finance Chair Brian Stewart and request they restore the proper funding proposed by Governor Mike DeWine. 

Speaker Huffman- office: (614) 466-6344, email: Rep78@ohiohouse.gov 

Chair Stewart- office: (614) 466-1464, email: Rep12@ohiohouse.gov